Prominent club CEO can’t understand ‘ill-informed’ criticism of Opening Round

Sydney CEO Tom Harley says criticism of the AFL’s Opening Round is “ill-informed” as the competition prepares to launch in New South Wales and Queensland for a second straight season.
Four games will once again be played exclusively outside of Victoria, with Brisbane’s clash against Geelong at the Gabba opening the 2025 season on March 6.
While there’s been some pushback at the lack of matches in Victoria to start the season, Harley told Wide World of Sports it was a concept worth persisting with.
Click PLAY to hear Tom Harley’s FULL interview on 3AW
“I don’t understand the animosity against it and I think it’s ill-informed,” he said on 3AW.
“I applaud the AFL for having a crack at it last year, identifying it was a success and then going again this year.”
Image: Getty